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(Editor’s Note: If you have a pet or animal story you’d love to see featured in Old Mission Gazette, contact our Pets of OMP columnist Paula Kelley, [email protected], or me, [email protected], and I will pass your info along to Paula. Read on for her note about cats Mountain and Georgie, and an update on the Old Mission Tavern. Stephanie Krupka and Brian Daley are in the process of buying the iconic restaurant. “I was born on the Old Mission Peninsula and had the pleasure of working at the Tavern during summer breaks during college so this is an exciting opportunity for me,” Stephanie told me earlier this year. “I look forward to bringing the restaurant back to life and to being a part of the community!” -jb)
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Hello, Old Mission!
This edition of Pets of Old Mission features transplants Mountain and Georgie. Both cats were adopted from a Humane Society in the Chicago area and have recently moved up here with their owners, Stephanie Krupka, an Old Mission native, and Brian Daley.
Mountain is eight years old and considered the troublemaker of the family. He likes to jump up on high surfaces, like in this photo Stephanie shared with me.
Georgie is a quiet, shy female about 11 years old. When I went for a visit, Georgie was hiding in the coat closet and didn’t seem interested in having her picture taken. From the photos Stephanie emailed me, it looks like Georgie enjoys sleeping and relaxing. 😊
An Old Mission Tavern Update
Not only have Mountain and Georgie brought their pet parents to Old Mission to live, but Stephanie and Brian are in the process of bringing new life back to the Old Mission Tavern. The Tavern had been an Old Mission icon up at the north end for many decades, and was listed for sale in the Spring of 2024.
Originally owned by the Bartnick family, Stephanie and Brian are excited to take the reins in re-opening the restaurant. The sale has been pending since January, with the hold up being the transfer of the State liquor license. Stephanie is hopeful this will be approved soon, and then the property can proceed with closing.
While waiting for the red tape to be completed, Stephanie and Brian have been getting all the systems in place for what will hopefully be an opening in November. With more than 20 years of history in the hospitality business between them – and Brian being a chef – they have established a great network of vendors to supply local produce and have mapped out an idea of the menu.
Both have heard from a lot of locals on their favorite dishes from the past, with the liver and onions and Sunday chicken dinners at the top of the list. I also put in a strong appeal for the artichoke chicken!
While Brian agrees that some of the favorites may stay on the menu, he is also cognizant of the fact that different chefs can make the same dish, but the end result might taste different. He hopes to also introduce some new dishes and would like to keep the desserts simple using seasonal local fruits.
While Stephanie and Brian have been busy planning, three of their friends from the Chicago area – all of them chefs, as well – have opted to join them in the adventure of operating the Tavern.
When I asked about the availability of labor for wait staff and kitchen help, Brian acknowledges that while it might be difficult in this labor market, he says that most chefs are aware that they are also the chief cook and bottle washer, if needed.
Local part-time help in the summer will be hired, and down the road, the plan is to offer older students a chance to train with one of the chefs.
– Paula Kelley, OMG Pets Columnist
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Great! Good luck Stephanie and Brian. I for one will patronize your establishment. Hopefully I will get to be here when it opens.
Of course your establishment may bring traffic out here
and maybe the NIMBY folks will embrace your entrepreneurship instead of decrying the traffic and people being served alcohol etc. as they are wont to do.!
Hope the chocolate brownie is on the menu ( with no nuts). Allergies to nuts. Can not wait for you to open.
Wonderful news! The best family Sunday dinner!
Don’t listen to the very few naysayers who think people don’t want any restaurant out here. They’re just mixing issues about the winery lawsuit with the reopening of the Tavern to sow confusion with newer neighbors. From what I’m hearing I think you won’t believe how successful the Tavern will become and will pay great homage to the old one. Wishing you best of luck ( can’t wait for the opening)
Wonderful news! We were long-time patrons and have mentioned how we miss the tavern every time we pass it. Our favorite is the lamb chops. During Covid we would order our meal to go and then eat at the pavilion in the park. So eager to have it open again!